the united nations - amazon web services€œembracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”...

��

�

ISRMUN 2016 “Embracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”

�

THE UNITED NATIONSECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL

��

�


Committee: Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Topic A: Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Economic Recovery in Asia Written by: Ana Diez Amieva and Paola Garza Hinojosa

I. Committee Background

The Economical and Social Council, also known as ECOSOC, is a United Nations committee

and one of the primary organs of the UN. It was created with the objective of being in charge of

worldwide challenges concerning the economy, society and the environment. It was established in

1946, and held its inaugural session on January 23 of the same year. This UN Charter body is

responsible for 70% of the human and financial resources in the United Nations system. The

headquarters of this committee are located in Geneva, Switzerland and New York, United States.

There are 54 members which are elected by the General Assembly, which consist of: 14 members

from African states, 11 from Asian states, 6 from Eastern European states, 10 from Latin American

and Caribbean states, and 13 from Western European and other states. With Oh Joon as its

president, the council holds regular meetings throughout the year with various kinds of businesses

and non-governmental organizations. As an active committee of the United Nations, ECOSOC is

always looking forward to finding viable solutions and advancing worldwide peace.

�

��

�


II. Topic information

A) History of Topic Peacebuilding is a process with the aim of facilitating the establishment of durable peace

inside post-conflict areas. The avoidance of violence is an aspect to be considered reconciliation,

institutions and politics efforts to stop the origin and reason of threatening events affecting

humanity. Keeping in mind, that peacebuilding measures are obtained just by starting on the

resumption of the problem and having as a result the trust of the people of a nation. Post-conflict

economic recovery consists of attaining human development and economic growth in a state that it

benefits the quality of the citizen’s life of a country and addresses the factors that are the causes of a

conflict. However, in Asia this this has been hard to achieve, especially in the Philippines since

recently many countries just transformed into independent nations. Peacebuilding and post-conflict

economic recovery in the continent of Asia, has been progressing considering the state where Asia

was in past years due to war zones and conflicts nearby. Still, efforts need to be made in order to

fully acquire peace and a stable economy after these types of confrontations occur.

The concept of “Peacebuilding” has been spread worldwide since the 1992 Secretary-

General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, published his “Agenda for Peace”. Ever since this agenda, this term

has been used widely around the world, with influence in development, conflict structure and inside-

the-country aim for peace. Around the world, many actions have been taken to end this issue. The

“Peacebuilding Commission” has provided countries with solutions to give an opportunity

to standardize post conflict interventions. The “Asia Foundation” is a well-known non-profit

international development organization with the goal to achieve peace in Asia and improve the lives

�

��

�


of those that live in the continent. Research of all of the actions taken helps not only strength the

process of peace and state building, but also informs the state and non-state actors that effort to

respond the tensions and the crisis. Non-governmental development organizations alo cooperate

with all the investigation by designing more conflict-sensitive programming, as well as collaboration,

innovation and identification to maximize the impact in a positive way.

In Asia, the most violent and long-lasting conflicts are, for the most part, a result of political

dynamics. The most affected areas by these conflicts are found along international borders, where

there are often ethnic minority groups. In politics, the post-conflict initial period is full of insecurity

and uncertainty in politics. As much as peace processes can advance and succeed, they also bring

regression in some periods. For peacebuilding, the political decisions are one of the most influential

factors to the success of this process. All types of authorities including national and local

governments, communities, donors and the UN itself. This proves that the government and politics

are highly influential in the advancement at peacebuilding amongst each country.

The actions taken have certainly helped the economic recovery in Asia progress to the point

where it stands nowadays. Although, many of the actions come with repercussions. These type of

processes, referring to peace processes themselves, can lead to new tensions amongst parties which

can be sometimes accompanied by armed confrontation and even the creation of new groups,

parties or agendas. These types of incidents remain as a frequent factor in these situations. Recently

in Asia, in areas like Nepal and the south of the continent, there is a factor that leads to predictions

of risk in approaches, so as a precaution, there is a conflict-sensitive approach for this types of

situations.

�

��

�


The Crisis Prevention and Recovery Report by the United Nations Development Program

widely explains the aspects that the majority of countries consider to maintain themselves as they

wish such as rebuilding of foundations, self-sustaining economic conditions and sound economy as

factors to achieve human development. These aspects in the report reminded countries to establish

guidelines to avoid the recurrence of conflicts and keep the economy stable. As mentioned by a

UNDP statement, post-conflict recovery is not about reestablishing pre-war economic or agreements

by organizations for the sake of a nation. On the other hand, economic, institutional, legal and policy

reforms that will automatically give a nation destroyed by war the opportunity to have a better

economic development. It also promotes peace after a violent event occurs, the reinforcement of

national capacities, and helps indigenous people’s areas.

It is important to take into account that post-conflict economic recovery is linked to the

stabilization of the military, government and social conditions such as justice. Therefore, significant

efforts in diverse areas of a country need to be preserved to continue with satisfactory economic

recovery after a devastating event. According to economist Nikolaos Tzifakis, “the economic

dimension of post-conflict reconstruction usually involves tasks such as distribution of relief

assistance, restoration of physical infrastructure and facilities, reestablishment of social services,

creation of appropriate conditions for the private sector development, and implementation of

essential structural reforms for macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.” (Tzifakis, 2014)

International aid immediately helps, however, it is national responsibility to subordinate the

complication and make the follow-up scheme in order to achieve peacebuilding, recovery and

reconstruction.

�

��

�


B) Current Issues

Vietnam:

The delegation of Vietnam has previously addressed the importance of post-conflict

peacebuilding during a UN Security Council meeting, urging the international community to begin

with a more comprehensive and effective strategy. Peacebuilding continues to be an essential part of

the UN organization as well as the country's effort to ensure a healthy transition from conflict to

complete recovery in every aspect. With this reconstruction and development, preventing conflict

from recurring as an essential aspect. Concerning the Vietnamese strategies, the representatives say

that "the strategy could cover the reinforcement of the judicial system and the early commencement

of disarmament, the demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, the promotion of

institution-building and capacity-building, the national reconciliation and rehabilitation, the

enhancement of socio-economic reforms and the fulfillment of Millennium Development Goals”.

Regarding post-economic recovery, Vietnam has taken about 35 years to begin economic

development. Economists say that Vietnam has a long way to go before achieving a matching

economy with the neighboring countries that are more developed. It entered the World Trade

Organization just 9 years ago, which is pretty recent, but has shown improvement in the economic

recovery of the country throughout the years. In conclusion, Vietnam is still in economic recovery,

and working towards a more effective peacebuilding initiative.

�

��

�


Thailand:

Thailand has a conflicted area where armed groups of ethnic “Malay Muslims” have struggle

and fight for freedom from Thai rule. The Thai provinces that are most involved are Pattani, Yala and

Narathiwat. In the 14th century, the four districts of the Songkhla Province and the Thai provinces

mentioned, were once the Kingdom of Patani, all united. The United Kingdom, as well as the

Kingdom of Siam, decided to divide the kingdom into North and South by a border negotiated by

their rulers 1909. Afterwards, the Malay Muslims rose up against control from Bangkok. The

discontent rose once again in 2004, and since this bombings, assaults and other accidents, there has

been a continuing degree of violence since this new surge until nowadays, with casualties involving

around 6,000 people.

Turkey: Turkey has become a center for international business. Also, over the past 10 years, Turkey

has developed a very active foreign policy, tackling issues primarily in the Middle East and Central

Asia. It has established communication with countries considered adversaries in past issues. As a

matter of fact, while focusing on its eastern neighbors, Turkey has become a key factor in the region

by maintaining self-rule in relation to the EU and the US, as well as developing proper strategies

based on a renewed assessment of assets and interests. Turkey has been recently drawing its

attention towards growing its economic power, and has been a notable member from West Asia.

�

��

�


Malaysia:

The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) chose Malaysia as a member that assists countries on

the road to recover from conflict throughout the 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 period. Thanks to the

PBC and the United Nations Security Council, Malaysia will promote and support peacebuilding in

nations that need it as it has been doing in Southeast Asia. Since 1980, the Malaysian Technical

Cooperation Program, otherwise known as the MTCP, trained 28,000 people from 139 developing

countries, among those countries, 14 were post-conflict economic recovering countries. This

program has supported them in their post-conflict peacebuilding, reconstruction, recovery and

sustainable development. Malaysia is willing to assist and support such countries in areas of public

administration, government, economic planning, education and poverty eradication. Malaysia

continues to be a coordinator between the PBC and the UN Security Council.

Philippines:

Muslims compose the largest minority group, making up about 5% of the Philippines’

population. Found mainly in the South of the Philippines, this group has been politically marginalized

as well as considered economically unprivileged in what is their ancestral domain. The Moros

became discontent and formed a new armed separatists group in early 1970s and since then

conducted a struggle for self determination that has continued to the present. Although the

Philippines also suffers from poverty and corruption, the peacebuilding dimensions have not only left

their mark on these struggles throughout the years, but also has cooperated with religious groups

and minority groups to come together in a way never seen before, aiming for harmony and peace.

�

��

�


Yemen:

Peacebuilding Fund interventions in Yemen in 2013 have lead to a positive impact in

removing political and financial obstacles for implementation of the Transition Agreement at a time

when, despite plenty pledges of support, there was a rapid shortage for immediate activities. The

initial success lead to a dialogue enabling an additional $19 million US dollars to be added into the

economy. The obstacles in the political and security situation in Yemen continue to heavily affect the

economic activity and post-conflict economic recovery. GDP growth slowed down notably (about

0.3%) in 2014 from 4.8% in 2013, as oil production was contained by infrastructure sabotage and

every fuel shortages and power cuts. The current civil war continues to devastate the economy in

Yemen. In addition to all of the current economic issues, there has been a change in political

stabilization. Since the uprising in 2011 and early 2012, Yemen has been going through a period of

political stabilization under a Gulf Cooperation Council-brokered transfer of power, and the ensuing

transition process. As part of the transition, the National Dialogue Conference was added, which

provided a space for all stakeholders - including those in a vulnerable positions - to participate in the

formation of a transition process towards the drafting of a new 2015 constitution.

C) UN Action

The United Nations has assumed measures to upgrade towards comprehensive actions

regarding the improvement of conflict prevention, development and peacebuilding. There has been

an improvement in the socio-economic causes of violent conflict and their recognition as well as an

urgent need to have them addressed.

�

��

�


Adding to this, the importance of long-term development in post conflict countries and their

inclusion in the global economy has been increasing in importance in and out of the United Nations.

DSEA, along with other organizations, have directed their attention to these issues. DESA has

worked to unite countries in conflict prevention and peacebuilding by: serving the ECOSOC

program "Ad Hoc Advisory Groups on African Countries Emerging from Conflicts", participating in

mechanisms as the “Framework Team”, bringing gender perspectives to attention in the center of

peace processes, building technical cooperation activities for capacity building within the countries

conflict prevention and peace-building, and exploring the impact of conflict on natural resource

leadership and the relationship between an environment and the causes and consequences of

conflict.

III. Conclusion

The aftermath of a conflict is always tough for a country to handle, especially in the economic

recovery aspect as it affects millions of people in the area. It is essential for peacebuilding to be

established so conflicts can be avoided and to ensure that the economy does not fall into a crisis.

Whether the political, social and/or cultural problem is large or not, financial planning is necessary in

order for a country to successfully return to or improve its former state. Peacebuilding in Asia is

emerging, however, development still needs to be made in order to secure the future for all citizens.

�

��

�


IV. Essential Questions

1. What is peacebuilding?

2. What is post-conflict economic recovery?

3. How are peacebuilding and post-conflict economic recovery initiatives currently working in Asia?

4. Are there any organizations, initiatives or campaigns working towards the implementation of

peacebuilding programs in Asia? If so, how are they working?

5. What impact has post-conflict economic recovery had on the countries in Asia?

6. Are there any actions being taken towards the implementation of peacebuilding procedures in

Asian nations affected by conflict?

7. What type of post-conflict economic recovery strategies are been applied currently in Asia?

8. What impact has post-conflict economic recovery had on countries with internal wars in this

decade?

V. Resources

Alexander, Lindsay, Canan Gündüz, and DB Subedi. "What Role for Business in “post-conflict”

Economic Recovery? Perspectives from Nepal." (n.d.): n. pag. International Alert. Mar. 2009. Web.

12 Apr. 2016. <http://www.international-alert.org/sites/default/files/publications/LEO_Nepal.pdf>

Cheng-Hopkins, Judy. "Peacebuilding: What Is It and Why Is It Important?" The London School of

Economics and Political Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://www.lse.ac.uk/publicEvents/

events/2014/03/20140304t1830vHKT.aspx>.

�

��

�


"Conflict, Disaster and Development." UN News Center. United Nations, n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.

<http://www.un.org/esa/peacebuilding/>.

"Crisis Prevention and Recovery Report 2008 - Post-Conflict Economic Recovery: Enabling Local

Ingenuity." UNDP. N.p., 09 June 2011. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/

home/librarypage/crisis-prevention-and-recovery/crisis-prevent-recovery-report-2008-post-conflict-

economic-recovery.html>.

Iglesias, Sol. "The Role of Civil Society in Peacebuilding: Southeast Asia in Focus."

SpringerReference (n.d.): n. pag. Eplo. Civil Society Dialogue Network (CSDN). Web. 12 Apr. 2016.

<http://eplo.org/assets/files/2.%20Activities/Civil%20Society%20Dialogue%20Network/Geographic

%20Meetings/Myanmar/EPLO_CSDN_Myanmar_RoleOfCivilSocietyInPeacebuilding_SIglesias.pdf>.

"Language and Educational Policies: Improving Ethnic Relations in the South of Thailand." Asia

Peacebuilding Initiatives. N.p., 14 Aug. 2015. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. <http://peacebuilding.asia/

category/southern-thailand/>.

"Local Peacebuilding in Turkey's Kurdish Borderlands" Insight on Conflict. Peace Direct, 11 June

2015. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. <http://www.insightonconflict.org/2015/06/local-peacebuilding-turkeys-

kurdish-borderlands/>.

�

��

�


Marthoz, Jean Paul. "The “new” Turkish Foreign Policy and Its Implications for Norwegian

Peacebuilding." Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre. N.p., 15 Dec. 2010. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.

<http://www.peacebuilding.no/Themes/Emerging-powers/Publications/The-new-Turkish-foreign-

policy-and-its-implications-for-Norwegian-peacebuilding>.

Ohiorhenuan, John. "Post-Conflict Economic Recovery." Elgar Handbook of Civil War and Fragile

States (n.d.): 428-47. Oxford University. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://users.ox.ac.uk/~econpco/

research/pdfs/IPA-PostConflictEconomicRecovery.pdf>.

"Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Recovery." UN News Center. UN Economic and Social Council,

n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://www.un.org/en/ecosoc/about/peacebuilding.shtml>.

"Peacebuilding in Asia." The Asia Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. <http://

asiafoundation.org/program/overview/peacebuilding-in-asia>.

Putra, Wisma. "Malaysia's Priorities: Peacebuilding." MALAYSIA - United Nations Security Council

(UNSC). N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://malaysiaunsc.kln.gov.my/index.php/malaysia-at-the-

unsc/malaysia-s-commitment/peacebuilding>.

Sambanis, Nicholas. "Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of United Nations Peace Operations."

Policy Research Working Papers (2007): n. pag. World Bank. Yale University, Political Science. Web.

12 Apr. 2016. <http://web.worldbank.org/archive/website01241/WEB/IMAGES/PCP3779S.PDF>.

�

��

�


Schreiter, Robert. "Peacebuilding in the Philippines: The Challenge of Mindanao." NTR. N.p., Mar.

2015. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://newtheologyreview.org/index.php/ntr/article/download/

1125/1760>.

"Security Council Stresses Critical Importance of Peacebuilding in Laying Foundation for Sustainable

Peace, Development in Aftermath of Conflict." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2016.

<http://www.un.org/press/en/2010/sc9907.doc.htm>.

"The Peace Process in the Southern Philippines: Challenges and Prospects." Asia Peacebuilding

Initiatives. N.p., 13 Jan. 2016. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://peacebuilding.asia/southern-philippines-

peace-challenges/>.

Tzifakis, Nikolaos. "Post-Conflict Economic Reconstruction." The Princeton Encyclopedia of Self-

Determination. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2016. <https://pesd.princeton.edu/?q=node%2F260>.

"UNICEF Yemen 2014 Annual Report: Peacebuilding, Education and Advocacy in Conflict-affected

Contexts Programme." ReliefWeb. N.p., 25 Nov. 2015. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://reliefweb.int/

report/yemen/unicef-yemen-2014-annual-report-peacebuilding-education-and-advocacy-conflict-

affected>.

"UN Peacebuilding: An Orientation." (n.d.): n. pag. United Nations. Peacebuilding Support Office,

Sept. 2010. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://www.un.org/en/peacebuilding/pbso/pdf/

peacebuilding_orientation.pdf>.

�

��

�


"Vietnam Underlines Post-conflict Peacebuilding." Vietnam Embassy. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2016.

<http://www.vietnamembassy-poland.org/vnemb.vn/tin_hddn/ns080522135445>.

White, Simon. "Creating an Enabling Environment for Micro and Small Enterprises in Thailand."

American Ethnologist 34.4 (2007): n. pag. International Labor Organization. July 1999. Web. 12 Apr.

2016. <http://www.ilo.org/public/libdoc/ilo/1999/99B09_429_engl.pdf>.

"Yemen Overview." The World Bank. N.p., 1 Apr. 2016. Web. 12 Apr. 2016. <http://

www.worldbank.org/en/country/yemen/overview>.

�

the united nations - amazon web services€œembracing our diversity is the first step to unity.”...

Documents